ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Railways
Most challenging year for Railways - Shri Piyush Goyal
“One year of lock down. Covid 19 has demonstrated the resolve of Railways to fight back and emerge stronger”- Shri Goyal
“Time to rewrite the destiny and future of Railways. - Self sustaining, Modern, Passenger Friendly , Punctual, Safe and First Choice of Businesses .”- Shri Piyush Goyal
Shri Piyush Goyal reviews the performance of Zones & Divisions with Chairman, Railway Board, General Managers and Divisional Railway Managers
In future, success of Indian Railways would define the success of the Nation.” This was stated by Minister of Railways, Commerce & Industry and Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri Piyush Goyal while having a review meeting today with the Board Members and General Managers of Zonal Railways and Divisional Railway Managers of Divisions.
Shri Goyal said “The year was the most challenging year for Railways. One year of lock down. Covid 19 has demonstrated the resolve of Railways to fight back and emerge stronger. Mindset of Railways has transformed. It’s no longer business as usual for Railways. Use of new technologies and innovation has created new standards and benchmarks."
Shri Goyal said that It was time to rewrite the destiny and future of Railways which is Self sustaining, punctual, passenger friendly safe , green and first choice of businesses .
He said 1223 MT Highest Freight Loading is a message of positivity to the Nation. 5900 Kms Electrification was done this year. It is the Highest ever electrification achieved by Indian Railways.
Shri Piyush Goyal complimented the Railway officers & staff for making extra Ordinary efforts during the pandemic to increase loading. He also stressed on safety measures to be adopted and directed Railway officials to take pro active steps towards the same.
It is to be noted that Indian Railways has continued to maintain the high momentum in Freight figures in terms of loading, earning and speed in the month of March 2021. It is expected to surpass the total cumulative freight figures of last year. Freight Revenue for the Year 2020-21 is Rs. 114652.47  as compared to Rs. 112358.83 . It is a growth of +2%.
Ministry of Science & Technology
Tea chemicals could lower coronavirus activitiy
Tea chemicals could be effective in boosting immunity as they can block coronavirus activity better than anti-HIV drugs, said Dr Sanjay Kumar, Director, Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology , based in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh. Dr Kumar has revealed this fact during a webinar organized at IHBT on the occasion of the International Tea Day.
In his lecture, Dr Kumar discussed the benefits of Kangra tea for society and industry, medicinal properties of tea for human health and the technologies developed and transferred by IHBT for combating COVID-19 disease. “Using computer-based models, the scientists screened 65 bioactive chemicals or polyphenols that could bind to a specific viral protein more efficiently than commercially available anti-HIV drugs approved for treating COVID-19 patients. These chemicals might block the activity of the viral protein that helps the virus to thrive inside human cells”, said Dr Kumar.
IHBT, a constituent of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research , has also produced and supplied the alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing tea extract and natural aromatic oils through its technology partners. The Institute has developed herbal soap with tea extract, natural saponins and without SLES , SDS  and mineral oil. This soap provides anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, cleansing and moisturizing benefits. The soap is being produced and marketed by two companies based in Himachal Pradesh.
“Tea catechins production process which has been transferred to M/s Baijnath Pharmaceuticals, and Ready to Serve Teas and Tea wines which could be game changer for Kangra tea”, added Dr Kumar. Catechins are natural antioxidants that help prevent cell damage and provide other benefits.
On this occasion, Tea vinegar technology has been transferred to a company based in Dharmshala. Tea vinegar has anti-obesity properties. Also Herbal Green and Black Teas blended with AYUSH-recommended herbs were launched. These products could be very useful for boosting immunity against COVID-19, say IHBT scientists.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
Welfare Scheme for Workers
The Government has formulated the Code on Social Security, 2020 which envisages framing of suitable social security schemes for gig workers and platform workers on matters relating to life and disability cover, accident insurance, health and maternity benefits, old age protection, etc. However, these provisions under the Code have not come into force. The Government has also launched e-Shram portal on 26.08.2021 for registration and creation of a Comprehensive National Database of Unorganized Workers including gig workers and platform workers. It allows a person to register himself or herself on the portal on self-declaration basis, which is spread across around 400 occupations.
To provide for conditions of service and other matters incidental thereto or connected therewith for the Service Sector, Manufacturing Sector and Mining Sector, the Central Government has published three draft Model Standing Orders under the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 for stakeholders comments in the official gazettee on 31st December, 2020, which inter-alia provide that “a worker shall not at any time work against the interest of the industrial establishment in which he is employed and shall not take any employment in addition to his job in the industrial establishment, which may adversely affect the interest of his employer, but, the employer may permit him to take up additional job, assignment with conditions or without conditions and the worker shall obtain prior permission of the employer.”
The Government has in the year 2019 launched Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan  scheme in order to provide old age protection in the form of monthly assured pension of Rs. 3000/- after attaining the age of 60 years to the workers of unorganized sectors. It is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme. The workers in the age group of 18-40 years whose monthly income is Rs. 15,000/- or less and not a member of Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation/Employees’ State Insurance Corporation/National Pension System  are eligible to join the scheme. The premium ranges from Rs. 55/- to 200/- depending on the age of the beneficiary. Under the scheme, 50% monthly contribution is payable by the beneficiary and equal matching contribution is paid by the Government of India.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Shri Rameswar Teli in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Vice President's Secretariat
Make it mandatory to have proficiency in mother tongue for recruitments up to Group-I level: Vice President
We must teach our children how to live with nature;
Shun ostentatious weddings;
The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has suggested to state governments to make it mandatory to have proficiency in mother tongue for job recruitments up to Group – I level. Addressing a gathering of students, teachers and parents after inaugurating a Computer Laboratory and RO Water Plant at the Andhra University High School in Visakhapatnam, he said that there is a need for cultural renaissance in the country. Culture is a way of life and religion is a way of worship, he added.
The Vice President also called for comprehensive reforms in the education system and asked people to return to our roots, heritage, traditions, culture and values.
The Vice President said that ‘we must teach our children how to live with nature’ we have the tradition of respecting nature –worshiping trees, animals and rivers. Ethical values should be inculcated in children, he added.
The Vice President said that India was once known as the Vishwaguru and people from across the globe used to come and study in ancient centres of learning like Nalanda, Takshashila. He further said that today the world is again looking at India, and our education system must produce youngsters who will be able to confidently face global challenges. Education must empower, enlighten and enhance knowledge, he added.
Later, the Vice President attended Sree Venkateshwara Kalyanam at MRC Kakatiya Convention Center in the city, where he called upon people to shun ostentatious weddings.
The Vice President said that marriage is a sacred ceremony and there shouldn't be any display of wealth and wastage of food. A country like India cannot afford wastage of food, he added.
The Vice President asked people to keep their surroundings clean and take it as a mission to maintain cleanliness at all places. Government alone cannot do everything. People’s participation, cooperation and involvement are essential in making a city clean and green, he added.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
The Central Board recommends 8.50 % rate of interest to its subscribers for the year 2020-21
The 228th meeting of Central Board of Trustees, EPF was held today in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir under the chairmanship of Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Union Minister of State for Labour & Employment,Vice-Chairmanship of Shri Apurva Chandra, Secretary and the Member Secretary Shri Sunil Barthwal, Central P F Commissioner. The Central Board recommended 8.50% annual rate of interest to be credited on EPF accumulations in members’ accounts for the financial year 2020-21. The interest rate would be officially notified in the government gazette following which EPFO would credit the rate of interest into the subscribers’ accounts.
Since FY 2014 EPFO has consistently generated returns not less than 8.50 percent. A high EPF interest rate along with compounding , makes a significant difference to gains of subscribers. This is despite the fact that EPFO has consistently followed a conservative approach towards investment, putting highest emphasis on the safety and preservation of principal first approach. Risk appetite of EPFO is very low, since it involves investing poor man’s retirement savings also.
EPFO over the years has been able to distribute higher income to its members, through various economic cycles with minimal credit risk. Considering the high credit profile of the EPFO investment, the interest rate of EPFO is considerably higher than other comparable investments avenues available for subscribers.
During the period from 2015-16 EPFO prudently started investing in equity through exchange traded funds based on the NSE 50 and BSE 30 indices. The investment in equity assets started from 5 percent for FY 2015 and subsequently gone up to 15 percent of the incremental portfolio.
For FY 2021, EPFO decided to liquidate investment in and the interest rate recommended is a result of combined income from interest received from debt investment as well as income realized from equity investment. This has enabled EPFO to provide higher return to its subscribers and still allowing EPFO with healthy surplus to act as cushion for providing higher return in future also. There is no over-drawl on EPFO corpus due to this income distribution.
The assured fixed return approach of EPFO, announced by CBT every year along with the tax exemptions makes it an attractive choice for investors, providing them with strong social security in the form of provident fund, pension and insurance schemes.
Ministry of Science & Technology
JNCASR Scientists develop a new molecule that could be a potential drug candidate for the treatment of Alzheimer’s
Scientists have developed a small molecule that disrupts the mechanism through which neurons become dysfunctional in Alzheimer’s disease . The molecule could be a potential drug candidate to halt or cure the leading cause of dementia  worldwide.
In the Alzheimer's brain, abnormal levels of naturally forming protein clump together to form plaques that collect between neurons and disrupt cell function. This is caused by production and deposition of the amyloid peptide  that accumulates in the central nervous system. The multifactorial nature of Alzheimer’s disease  attributed to multifaceted amyloid toxicity has kept researchers from developing effective treatment.
A team of scientists led by Professor T. Govindaraju from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research , an autonomous institute of the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, designed and synthesized a set of novel small molecules and identified a lead candidate which they found could reduce the toxicity of Amyloid Beta  toxicity.
The detailed studies established the molecule called TGR63 as the lead candidate to rescue neuronal cells from amyloid toxicity. Remarkably, the molecule was also found to reduced amyloid burden in the cortex and hippocampus, or a complex part embedded deep into the temporal lobe, thereby reversing cognitive decline. This research has been published recently in the journal Advanced Therapeutics.
Currently available treatments provide only temporary relief, and there are no approved drugs that directly act on the disease mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease. Thus, there is an unmet need to develop drug candidates to halt or cure Alzheimer’s disease.
Mice brain affected with Alzheimer’s disease when treated with TGR63 showed a significant reduction of amyloid deposits, validating its therapeutic efficacy. The mice also showed reduction of learning deficiency, memory impairment, and cognitive decline as revealed by distinct behavioural tests. These key attributes have validated the potential of TGR63 as a promising drug candidate for the treatment of AD.
AD severely affects the patients, families, caregivers and hence is a major societal and economic burden globally. The novel drug candidate TGR63 developed by the JNCASR team has potential as a promising drug candidate for AD treatment.
Image Source: Advanced Therapeutics 2021, 4, 2000225.
[Publication link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/adtp.202000225
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/action/downloadSupplement?doi=10.1002%2Fadtp.202000225&file=SupportingVideo3.avi
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/action/downloadSupplement?doi=10.1002%2Fadtp.202000225&file=SupportingVideo2.avi
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/action/downloadSupplement?doi=10.1002%2Fadtp.202000225&file=SupportingVideo1.avi
For more details, Prof. T. Govindaraju  can be contacted.]
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Swachhata Pakhwada in Cochin Port Trust
Swachhata Pakhwada 2021 was launched in Cochin Port Trust by administering the Swachhata pledge in all departments. Shramdaan cleaning activities have also been started in the Port areas. Activities proposed during the Pakhwada include cleaning of work places, office premises, crafts and public spaces within the Port area.
All Heads of the Department will lead various programmes during the period. Providing ‘divyang’ access to offices, short film competition and poster designing competition for students of Kendriya Vidyalayala Port Trust and several awareness programmes are also planned. All activities are being carried out in compliance of the social distancing/safety instructions issued by the Government to contain Covid-19 pandemic.
Ministry of Defence
PRESIDENT CONFERS VAYU SENA MEDAL ON SQUADRON LEADER GL VINEETH  FLYING 
1. Squadron Leader GL Vineeth  Flying  is posted to Transport aircraft base.
2. On 19 Oct 22, he was detailed as the captain of a transport aircraft for an instructional sortie. The sortie was uneventful until the aircraft climbed to 11000 feet in the base local flying area. While demonstrating a stall manoeuvre, a loud noise was heard by the crew and the aircraft yawed and rolled to the left viciously. The port engine oil pressure warning light came on along with master warning light, which indicated that the port engine had suffered severe mechanical damage. Engine failure while in a stalled state of flight at low speeds with reduced control effectiveness makes the task of recovery challenging and calls for a high degree of skill levels. Any delay in regaining control of the aircraft may have resulted in the aircraft entering into spin or in a catastrophic accident.
3. Sqn Ldr GL Vineeth's prompt actions and high degree of piloting skills prevented the aircraft from going into an unusual attitude. Despite experiencing a critical and undocumented emergency of a dire nature, he maintained his composure. He completed the actions for recovery from stall and promptly shut down the port engine to prevent any further damage to the engine and airframe. His exemplary piloting skills and flawless crew coordination with composed mental state under extreme adverse conditions were instrumental in successfully executing a safe single engine landing. He displayed extreme courage, high degree of situational awareness, exceptional piloting skills and a very high standard of professionalism in recovering a damaged aircraft and thereby saving its occupants.
4. For this act of exceptional professionalism and courage, Sqn Ldr GL Vineeth is awarded with the Vayu Sena Medal.
Ministry of Communications
Drive test in Ahmedabad city by Gujarat LSA, DoT to check & improve mobile coverage and quality
Mobile telecommunication services have emerged as the key enabler of the country’s growth and it has become an intrinsic part of citizen’s daily life.
Department of Telecommunications  plays a vital role in laying down the standards of quality of service to be provided by the telecom service providers  and ensuring that the quality of service is provided as per the norms. The field units of DoT have been entrusted with the task of conducting the periodical audit of the quality of mobile services provided by the TSPs and they conduct exhaustive mobile drive test in the select cities of the country.
As part of the “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” celebrations, under the supervision of DoT Gujarat LSA officers, network teams of all the four TSPs i.e. Airtel, BSNL, Jio and Vodafone Idea, have started conducting extensive mobile drive test in the Ahmedabad city from 8th March 2022, which will continue for four days, up to 11th March 2022.
The drive test route will cover almost all the areas of heavy usage like office areas, commercial areas, business centres, tourist attractions, major roads and highways, hospitals, airport, railway stations, bus stands etc. Also, areas where call drops and coverage issues are reported will also be covered.
Shri Ajatshatru Somani, DDG, DoT Ahmedabad stated that based on the results of the drive test, necessary action will be ensured from the TSPs to take suitable corrective action at the locations where the mobile quality and coverage was not up to the benchmark. The locations were problems are being faced by the TSPs in acquiring new sites for mobile towers will be identified and taken up with State / local government authorities.
In last 2 years, despite Covid-19 pandemic, Gujarat LSA DoT, has conducted a series of drive tests across Gujarat in Ahmedabad, Surat, Gandhinagar, Vadodara to Statue of Unity  and the area around the Statue of Unity, Gandhinagar and the Gujarat international border area.
SD/GP
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Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Illegal export of PDS rice
Of-late a report had appeared in the media titled “Bought in Andhra at Rs. 10, sold in Malaysia at Rs. 123” alleging diversion of the PDS foodgrains in Andhra Pradesh. Up on inquiry, the Government of Andhra Pradesh has informed that they have seized 435.80 MTs of Rice worth of Rs. 1,08,95,000/- and has taken all preventive measures and necessary action against the culprits.
To bring transparency and efficiency in the functioning of the Targeted Public Distribution System , this Department in association with all States/UTs had implemented a scheme on ‘End-to-End Computerization of TPDS Operations’, which inter-alia comprised digitization of ration cards/ beneficiaries’ data, installation of electronic Point of Sale  devices at all Fair Price Shops , etc. for transparent distribution of foodgrains to all beneficiaries under National Food Security Act . As part of these activities, 100% digitization of NFSA ration cards has been achieved in all States/UTs, Aadhaar seeding of almost 91% ration cards at the national level has been achieved so far . Besides, almost 92% of total 5.4 Lakh FPSs in the country are distributing foodgrains through ePoS devices. At the national level, more than 70% of the monthly allocated foodgrains to States/UTs are being distributed to NFSA beneficiaries after their biometric authentication on ePoS devices.
Further, NFSA provides for implementation of a two-tier grievance redressal mechanism in all States/UTs, including Andhra Pradesh, i.e. District Grievance Redressal Officers  and independent State Food Commissions along with setting up of 4 level Vigilance Committees at State, districts, blocks and FPSs levels for the monitoring and grievance redressal, transparency and accountability in TPDS operations.
This information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri DanveRaosahebDadarao in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Defence
DRDO inks framework MoU with MoRTH for Geo-hazard Management
Defence Research and Development Organisation  has entered into a framework memorandum of understanding  with the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways  to strengthen collaboration in the field of technical exchange and co-operation on sustainable geohazard management. The MoU was signed today between Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Secretary DDR&D & Chairman DRDO and Shri Giridhar Aramane Secretary MoRTH. As per the agreement, DRDO and MoRTH will co-operate in various mutually beneficial areas related to geohazard management. The initiative will ensure safety against the adverse effects of landslides and other natural calamities on national highways in the country.
DRDO’s Defence Geo-Informatics Research Establishment  is working for the development of critical technologies for enhancing combat effectiveness in various kinds of terrains and avalanches. The expertise of DGRE in mapping, forecasting, control and mitigation of landslides and avalanches in Himalayan terrain will be utilized for designing national highways including tunnels. Terrain and modelling simulation is an important asset with DGRE, which will play an important role in planning and building robust road infrastructure in difficult terrains.
MoRTH is responsible for development & maintenance of National Highways across the country.
It has been agreed that the expertise of DRDO will be utilized in providing sustainable mitigation measures to damages caused by landslides, avalanche and other natural factors on various National Highways in the Country.
Some of the areas identified for collaboration include detailed investigation of the critical avalanches/geo hazards, planning, designing and formulation of sustainable mitigation measures for geo-hazards on national highways including tunnels, monitoring and supervision of mitigation measures etc.